Remember way back in English class when we learned about root words? The fact that several words can be tied back to a single word? Well, the root word for this column is “class”. Over the last few weeks, I purchased tickets to three separate shows coming up in the next few months. On the surface, they don’t look like the other, but the root word is class for all three.

Loretta Lynn – classic county. Loretta is one of the female pioneers and legends of country music and is headlining the Ryman for the first time. Of course, she played the Ryman when it was the home of the Grand Ole Opry – before the “new” Opry house was built 40 years ago. Though I grew up 10 minutes from her home in Hurricane Mills and went to school with her daughters, I have never seen her perform. This lady is a touring machine, still playing several shows a year. I am really looking forward to seeing her.

Styx – classical music. Styx is performing with the Nashville Symphony in February at the Schermerhorn Symphony center. I have always loved listening to classic rock with an orchestra. Whether it was the Moody Blues or Lynyrd Skynyrd with the symphony, the same ole songs are refreshed. Skynyrd’s Tuesday’s Gone is incredible with strings and horns. I saw a TV special where Styx performed with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra and was completely blown away. Lady or Crystal Ball promises to be a treat.

Bret Michaels – class act. Bret is playing the Franklin Theatre in September. The Franklin Theatre is where I saw Mac McAnally and is a very cool place for a show. I use the word class with Bret for a reason. My youngest son was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes (T1D) 14 years ago when he was just 18 months old. Bret was also diagnosed with T1D when he was six and has been an advocate and fundraiser for T1D agencies throughout the years. I had the occasion to meet Bret a few years ago during a soundcheck. I told him about Kyle and we chatted about Kyle, Bret’s T1D, and a little bit about music. He was a very nice, down-to-earth guy and we wound up chatting about our respective diabetes worlds.

If you have read my columns for any length of time, you have seen that my taste in music is varied, and my recent concert ticket purchases could be Exhibit A. I will let you know how these shows go, until then “stay classy San Diego”.